Al Qaeda Dismantled in Iraq?
Iraqi government officials have declared that the end is near for terrorist group Al Qaeda. On October 5th, an attack by US-led coalition forces eliminated the network’s second in command, Abu Qaswarah. Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki claims this advancement will almost inevitably lead to the end of Al Qaeda’s strong presence in Iraq.
The Iraqi government also claims that, as its anti-terrorism efforts have damaged the lines of communication between Al Qaeda commanders and fighters, members of the group will most likely flee the country, rendered ineffective. Maliki warned neighboring countries to be on the look out for operatives seeking refuge inside their borders, especially in nations like Syria and Morocco where Al Qaeda has purportedly established cells before.
The end of Al Qaeda in Iraq would be a watershed moment for the Iraqi people and the entire war on terrorism, but it remains to be seen whether this will actually occur, as the terrorist network has proved resilient in the past.
Haley Hackendale
